Neelkanth Peak, Uttarakhand
Neelkanth peak in Uttarakhand is one of the most famous trekking spots in the Himalayas. Trekkers who want to increase their skills or just want to have a small adrenaline rush, love to trek this mountain. Himalayas are always a favourite for the trekkers.
Neelkanth is the highest peak of the Garhwal Himalayas with an altitude of 6507 metres above the sea level. The peak is said to be in a pyramidal shape which makes it all the more fun for climbing. This peak is just above the Badrinath temple and one can see it too from the temple.
The Neelkanth Peak is known popularly as the “Garhwal Queen” and is named after one of the names of Lord Shiva. The name comes from Lord Shiva as he is said to have a blue throat as he had once drank poison to make the gods immortal. It is said that Lord Shiva had taken the poison out from the elixir and had stored it in his throat so that he would not die either. Thereby, the gods drank the elixir and became immortal with the help of Lord Shiva and hence the name.
The trekking is said to have an approximately 35 days course. Also the techniques required would be those of Scottish grade II and III mixed climbing and also an alpine style climbing too. The expedition is a D+/TD-. The first successful attempt of climbing to the Neelkanth Peak was done by two Britishers in the year 1993. The best time to trek this peak will be June – September, due to fairly good weather during this time of the year.